“But there has been no concrete bid. I can understand it’s difficult for him when he gets up and reads the latest stories.

As soon as I know anything concrete, Gary and his representative will be the first to hear.

"There are big clubs who have noted their interest. It’s up to them now to come and back that up.

"If they don’t I’d suggest they make that known that they’re not going to and make their move somewhere else.

"It certainly doesn’t help the kid or me as a manager. We have a top class player in our ranks. It’s frustrating for him and for everyone.

“I don’t want to lose him but if there was the right thing there for him, the sooner it happens the better for Gary and everyone.”

Bolton yesterday completed the £4 million sale of the Oman international goalkeeper Ali Al-Habsi to Wigan — where the player spent last season on loan.

And Coyle will hope to reinvest some of those funds in strengthening his squad, with Manchester City's Shaun Wright-Phillips among the players he would like to add after capturing Darren Pratley, the former Swansea midfielder, on a free transfer.

“There are a number of things that need to come to fruition for it to happen,” said Coyle. “There has not been any dialogue with Manchester City about Shaun or a fee.”